Japanese Wooden Oke Lid, Wabi-sabi Display Stand, 1920s

This robust round object was originally the wooden lid (futa) of a Japanese rice or steaming tub – an oke (ohitsu) used in the kitchen to keep rice warm and gently steam it. Detached from its original function, it now works as a striking sculptural display piece.

Dimensions: height 11 cm, diameter 33 cm.

Decades of use and moisture have given the wood a deep, warm tone, with age cracks, darkened edges and traces of heat and steam – exactly the kind of imperfections that give it so much character and wabi-sabi charm. The underside with two heavy crossbars creates a low, almost floating profile.

In an interior this piece acts as a quiet stage that enhances anything placed on it. Use it as a low stand for an ikebana arrangement, a ceramic bowl or a small sculpture, or place it in the centre of a table with fruit, nuts or candles. It is also perfect in a shop or showroom as a styling object to present jewellery, design accessories or statement shoes in a refined Japanese way.